By Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
The Oliver United Church is celebrating more than 100 years of existence with a special service on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.
Church spokesperson Heather MacNaughton Frank said the service at 511 Church Avenue will feature a special program including a variety of speakers and musical entertainment. It will also feature an historical slide presentation and luncheon, in addition to displays and artifacts.
Frank said the original church building was built on its present site and opened on Dec. 3, 1922. It was Oliver’s first church, she pointed out.
“Our church has been at the heart of our community, assisting people through good times and bad,” Frank said.
The origin of Oliver United Church is rooted in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, she pointed out.
With much dedication, those early servants of the church set out to bring the “word” to newly developed areas of the South Okanagan.
“They travelled along rough and dusty roads using whatever transportation was available at the time,” Frank said. This included stagecoach, horseback, bicycle, and motor cars.
The town site of Oliver, named after the premier, was established in 1921. The population expanded quickly, so the Presbyterian Church board decided to establish a church in the new town.
Reverend Henry Feir, the first minister, arrived in Penticton on June 29, 1921 via the lake steamer, the S.S. Sicamous.
Church historian Tom Nichol stated the reverend was a good man for the district because he “stressed community without much regard for denomination.”
Frank said many people who attended church services were soldiers from the First World War.
She noted the first regular service was held in C.D. Collins store on July 10, 1921, with seven people present.
The first sod for the new church was turned on Sept. 18, 1922. The opening services on Dec. 3 were conducted by Dr. G.A. Wilson and Rev. J.F. Miller of Penticton.
Frank said a choir of 16 people led the singing, and a collection of $64 for the building fund was taken.
The cost of the building was $3,327.
Frank said there is an old hymn called “Count Your Blessings,” which is so fitting to honour the people and the past.
Donations of non-perishable food or winter items such as mittens, toques, scarves, and socks will be greatly appreciated on Dec. 11. These items will be passed on to the Oliver Food Bank for distribution to the needy.
Contributed photo
